Capitals Pay Tribute To Late Johnny Gaudreau, Hockey Community Mourns After He & Brother, Matthew, Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

The Washington Capitals and hockey community are coming to mourn the loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed on Thursday when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in their home state of New Jersey. They were set to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding on Friday.

"The Washington Capitals organization stands with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the hockey community as we send our deepest condolences and mourn the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau," the Capitals posted on social media. "Our hearts ache for the entire Gaudreau family and the Columbus Blue Jackets organizations during this incredibly difficult time."

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T.J. Oshie also posted on Twitter and Instagram to pay tribute to Gaudreau.

"Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family," Oshie wrote. "So incredibly sad."

Forward Andrew Mangiapane, who was acquired by Washington from the Calgary Flames at the start of the offseason, said "there are no words" for what happened to his longtime former teammate in an Instagram post featuring photos of the two during their tenure together in Calgary.

"We're all going to miss you. Love you little guy," Mangiapane wrote.

Trevor van Riemsdyk, Matt Roy, Jakob Chychrun, Charlie Lindgren and more current and former players all shared stories honoring the life of Gaudreau, while Lindgren added that he was praying for the family.

"Praying for the Gaudreau family," Chychrun wrote. "Wishing they find peace in this tragic time."

In addition to tributes, several NHL players, staff members and their families have donated to raise money for Matthew's wife, Madeline, who is pregnant with their son, Tripp. Eric Robinson, Keith Yandle and Sean Monahan are among those who donated to the cause, which has already raised $181,713. The GoFundMe page can be found here .